Collectivity Is a Bay Area powerhouse, jazz funk psychedelic dance party coming like a freight train for your mind and dancin’ feet. The brainchild of guitarist, composer, and producer Ben Misterka, built from years of deep collaboration with some of the most incredible musicians on the planet, the old fashioned way, by playing everywhere, with everyone, until the music had no choice but to get great.
Originally formed in Shanghai and now based in the SF Bay Area, Collectivity is a world-class ensemble driven by collective improvisation and a relentless commitment to the live experience. Expect upbeat grooves, soulful guitar work, and genre-bending sets that pull from jazz, funk, gospel, and psychedelic soul. Spontaneous without ever losing the thread, adventurous without ever losing the groove.
Living abroad and outside normal society lines was the inspiration for the debut album, Off the Grid, a release that established their commitment to collective improvisation, emotional pacing, and ensemble-driven storytelling. Rather than chasing polish, the album captured a band learning how to trust space, groove, and each other.
An intricate and heartfelt tribute to Jimi Hendrix reaturing 11 re-imagined songs from one of Misterka's biggest heroes had a run of succesful live shows, followed by the 2024 release Oakland Sessions documents the band’s chemistry in its rawest form, while the recent single “Microdose” points toward a bolder, more dance-forward future.
With performances across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. — opening for Larry Graham at Shanghai Arena, performing at Ulanchabo Stadium in Mongolia, headlining Concerts on Commons Beach, and appearing at The Independent with Dumpstaphunk — the band carries serious global credentials. Members have performed and recorded with Lyrics Born, Goapele, Fantastic Negrito, Booker T & the MGs, Poncho Sanchez, Etta James, and more.
The latest endevours include a 9 piece version of the band performing Wish You Were Here in its entirity and an acoustic album from Ben Misterka.
